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G22 Oilers @ Flames: Battle Of Alberta *Update: Klefbom Sent To OKC*

November 16, 2013, 2:39 PM ET [400 Comments]
Matt Henderson
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Oilers were beaten last night because they didnt show up until the 2nd half of the 2nd period. By that time it was already too late but at least they actually showed up, which is more than can be said for the 3 home games that preceded that match. The shutout streak was broken by none other than Nail Yakupov who batted a slapshot out of mid-air (that would sound impossible for anyone else) to blow one by Stalock.

The Arco/Acton Drama unfolded and was clarified but the fact that Acton was played not quite 4 minutes and still ended up a -1 should be proof enough that the decision to play him over Arcobello was foolish. After the game it was revealed that Arcobello has been told to find a place to stay here in Edmonton. The transaction used to send him to OKC was purely done on paper and he ought to draw back in tonight.

The Battle of Alberta is not what it once was, to be sure, but it still carries a lot of weight with the fans. Having grown up in Edmonton I can say one thing for certain. I intensely hate the Flames and wish them nothing but failure. The fact that they occupy a place ahead of the Oilers in the standings is painful to see and is the source of great embarrassment. The Oil giving away Ladi Smid to the Flames for spare parts and some homemade peanut butter cookies only makes things worse.

The Oilers are playing for little else but pride at this point and it starts here tonight. Taking a loss to the Sharks isnt fun but it isnt unreasonable. Taylor Hall and the gang is more than capable of defeating this group. It is an attainable goal for this squad. That said, they cannot continue to wait an hour after puck drop to start playing. Dallas Eakins can use any system he please, but if he cant get the players to compete then the best system in the world isnt going to work.

LINEUPS

Wonder kid Oscar Klefbom has been recalled and he arrived sometime mid game against the Sharks but obviously never dressed. He SHOULD be getting into game action tonight against the Flames. This will be the first time he plays an NHL game. He has played relatively well in the AHL by all accounts, but at the same time most who have watched closely believe the big Swede needs more seasoning down on the farm. We know Dubnyk will start but the forward lines are a complete guess really. This is what I would go with.

UPDATE

Klefbom has been sent back down to OKC. I dont need to mock this. It mocks itself.

Hall RNH Eberle
Yak Gagner Hall
Joensuu Arcobello Jones
Smyth Gordon Perron

Ference Petry
Belov Larsen
N. Schultz Potter

Dubnyk

The Flames have been playing very Oilerish since their first 3 games and the losses are piling up faster than cars in the ditch of the QE2. Monahan has had 4 points in his last 12 games and just 1 in his last 5. He got off to a hot start but like many rookies, the reality of being an everyday scorer in the NHL has proven to be pretty difficult. The Flames have a really good young player nonetheless. Here are the projected lines as per the Flames website.

Galiardi Backlund Jones
Cammalleri Monahan Hudler
Baertschi Stajan Stempniak
Bouma Colborne Mcgratton

Butler Brodie
Russell Wideman
Smid Smith

Berra

OILERS KEYS TO THE GAME

1) Remember when the game starts. I get it. We are all busy right now. You blow the snow, take the kids to Dance and Karate, play some PS4, and somewhere along the way you forget when the game starts. Problem is the Oilers have forgotten to show up at least 15 times this year. There's no excuse.

2) More Yak Please. 2 goals in three games and he's stringing together good showings. Last night was probably his best game this year. He was dangerous on every shift. Get him out on the PP quickly and give the kid the ice he deserves.

3) Build On The Last Period. Yes, the Sharks were already winning and score effects blah blah blah, but the Oil need to transition the battle level they showed in the last half of the Sharks game to the game tonight and beyond.

Puck drops at 8PM on CBC. Game On!

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